Writing Exercise: Two Reactions

Create a scene involving two characters, using minimal dialogue. The scene takes place in a small shop, it's late and there are not too many people around. The two characters are a Shop Assistant and a Client. Create different version of the scene, always creating two reactions for the Shop Assistant: the first impression and a change.

The Shop Assistant is behind the counter and a Client enters. This is where the first reaction will happen. Use the Shop Assistant's behaviour to portray what his/her first impression is (it could be ignorance, awe, etc.). The Client picks up something from the isles or s/he could walk straight to the counter. As the two characters interact, the Shop Assistant realises who s/he is actually talking to - show the reaction and the consequence - a change in the behaviour. The Client's behaviour can remain the same throughout the scene, so that you can keep the Shop Assistant in focus but remember that there have to be small clues to the Client's character throughout the scene (the way they carry themselves, how they speak, etc.) and there should be something atypical about them (they are perhaps dressed informally or there's something else about them that will mislead the Shop Assistant).

Here are three options for the Client. The Client, who is not immediately recognised (but judged by their appearance and behaviour), is:

a) a high-ranking police officer

b) a politician

c) a priest

Remember to use minimal dialogue. You can try using the same lines of dialogue in all versions in order to focus on behaviour. Try to come up with more options for the Client as well as the Shop Assistant, props, or setting.

After you've come up with some scenes, take a scene you've created and turn it around: use the second reaction as the first and the first reaction last. For example, if they were 'indifference' and 'respect', use 'respect' first and 'indifference' last. Remember that these are 'reactions' - the Shop Assistant's behaviour needs to be a reaction to when s/he sees or experiences, and it's interaction with the Client - learning about the other character that will change the Shop Assistant's perception.
Play around with gender, social background and age. Transfer the scene to another place: a library, a drug store, a shelter for the homeless, etc. Try different attitudes, both positive and negative. Try to avoid the typical and the obvious by coming up with more options (the first three or four ideas are usually the more obvious ones).

Good luck!